PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Board has ordered additional development of the record, including securing all outstanding VA treatment records for PTSD from March 2007 to the present. The case is remanded for further adjudication.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Epigastric Hernia have been denied. The Board found that the PTSD did not meet criteria for a higher evaluation, while the Epigastric Hernia was rated as noncompensable.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression has been rated at 50 percent since the onset of his disability, effective from January 1996 to March 22, 2002.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD. The claim for TBI was not resolved and remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and personality disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, respiratory disability (shortness of breath), and psychiatric disability (post-traumatic stress disorder).

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis and hemorrhoids are rated at the minimum levels, while her acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) is service-connected based on evidence of a personal assault during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable prior to November 3, 2010.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since February 14, 2012. The current rating is the highest possible benefit for his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% disability rating. The right shoulder disability was rated at 30%, while the left shoulder disability did not meet criteria for any higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder was found to be at least as severe as a 50 percent disability rating prior to April 6, 2012 and at least as severe as a 70 percent disability rating thereafter. The appeal for higher ratings is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD service connection and a non-compensable rating for hypertension was denied. The Board found that the criteria for both conditions were not met.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD and depression, is being remanded due to the need for further evidentiary development. The Veteran has requested a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's combined rating has been 80 percent since June 21, 2016. However, he is gainfully employed in a fulltime position and his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and tinnitus do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during his active military service. The claim for PTSD and low back disorder is dismissed due to withdrawal of appeal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has denied the Veteran's petitions to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for a heart condition and a psychiatric disability (PTSD). The evidence submitted since the last final decisions is not considered new and material.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and the claim to reopen was unsuccessful. The Veteran's right hand loss of use claim was also denied.